Railway track switch

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a railroad switch point having fixed rails and switching rails. The switch point includes a first railroad tie having a top side. The switch point also includes a rod positioned at the top side of the first railroad tie. The rod is coupled to the switching rails and is also coupled to a switch actuator. A first rail support is secured to the top side of the first railroad tie for supporting the fixed rails and the switching rails above the rod.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/521,081,filed Sep. 13, 2006, which claims the benefit of provisional applicationSer. No. 60/716,766, filed Sep. 13, 2005, which applications areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to railway track equipment. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to railway track switches.

BACKGROUND

Conventional railroad tracks include rails supported on railroad ties.The railroad ties are supported on an aggregate bed that functions as afoundation for the ties. Routine track maintenance involves the periodictamping of the aggregate bed to ensure that the bed is sufficientlycompacted to provide adequate support to the rails and ties. Tamping isa fairly straightforward procedure on most lengths of track. However, atswitch points, tamping can be more difficult because the variousswitching linkages typically positioned between the rails prevent thetamping equipment from accessing the aggregate bed located beneath thelinkages. To overcome the above problem, it has been proposed to place atrack switching mechanism within a hollow railroad tie (see U.S. Pat.No. 4,105,175 to De Spiegeleer). However, this type of design is fairlycomplicated and the relatively large, open volume within the railroadtie provides areas where ice and debris can collect thereby interferingwith the effective operation of the switching arrangement. In view ofthe above problems, an improved switching device for railroad tracks isneeded.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a railroad trackswitching device that is relatively simple and that allows the aggregateadjacent to the switch point to be readily tamped with minimalinterference from the switching device.

Examples representative of a variety of inventive aspects are set forthin the description that follows. The inventive aspects relate toindividual features as well as combinations of features. It is to beunderstood that both the forgoing general description and the followingdetailed description merely provide examples of how the inventiveaspects may be put into practice, and are not intended to limit thebroad spirit and scope of the inventive aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top plan view of a railroad switch point in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure, the switch point is switchedto a first position where trains are routed along a main track;

FIG. 1B shows the switch point of FIG. 1A switched to a second positionwhere trains are routed to a side track;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the linkage arrangement of the switchpoint of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a conventional rail reinforcement arrangement thatcan be used with a switch point in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a throw-rod in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 8-8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a top, plan view of an alternative switch point linkagearrangement in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure,the linkage arrangement is adapted to accommodate longitudinal movementof the switch rails;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the switch point linage arrangement of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a top, plan view of a further switch point linkagearrangement in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure,the linkage arrangement is also adapted to accommodate longitudinalmovement of the switch rails; and

FIG. 12 is a side view of the switch point linkage arrangement of FIG.11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a railroadswitch having one or more switching linkages mounted within a platepositioned at the top side of a railroad tie. In certain embodiments,the plate can define a channel or other type of guide structure forguiding the linkage along a path of travel (e.g., a linear path oftravel). Another general aspect of the present disclosure relates to arailroad track switching device having a switch linkage including anon-electrically conductive composition. In one embodiment, the entirelinkage is made of a dielectric material such as plastic. In otherembodiments, the linkage can have a composite structure. For example,the linkage may include a conductive (e.g., metal such as steel) coresurrounded by a dielectric layer (e.g., a dielectric housing orcoating).

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a railroad track arrangement 20 in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure. The track arrangement 20includes a main track 22 and a side track 24. The main track 22 includesa fixed rail 22 a and a switch rail 22 b, and the side track 24 includesa fixed rail 24 a and a switch rail 24 b. A switching mechanism 26 islocated at a switch point of the track arrangement 20. The switchingmechanism 26 moves the switching rails 22 b, 24 b between a firstposition (shown at FIG. 1A) and a second position (shown at FIG. 1B). Inthe position of FIG. 1A, the switch point routes trains along the maintrack 22. In the position of FIG. 1B, the switch point routes trainsalong the side track 24.

Referring still to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the rails 22 a, 22 b, 24 a and 24 bare supported on railroad ties 28. For clarity, only a few of the ties28 are shown. The railroad ties 28 are typically supported on anaggregate base. Typically, the railroad ties 28 have a woodconstruction. In one embodiment, the railroad ties 28 have a square 9inch by 9 inch cross-sectional shape at the region beneath the rails 22a, 22 b, 24 a, 24 b.

Referring to FIG. 2, the switching mechanism 26 includes an actuator 30offset to the side of the fixed rail 24 a.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the actuator 30 interfaces with a throw rod32, a lock rod 34, and an indication rod 36. The actuator 30 alsointerfaces with a controller 38 that controls operation of the actuator30. The actuator 30 pushes the throw rod 32 in a direction away from theactuator 30 to move the switching rails 22 b, 24 b from the position ofFIG. 1A to the position of FIG. 1B. The actuator 30 pulls the throw rod32 toward the actuator 30 to move the switching rails 22 b, 24 a fromthe position of FIG. 1B to the position of FIG. 1A. After the switchingrails 22 b, 24 b have been moved to the desired position, the actuator30 locks the lock rod 34 in place to prevent unintended movement of theswitching rails 22 b, 24 b. Prior to switching, the actuator 30 releasesthe lock rod 34 so that the lock rod does not interfere with themovement of the switching rail 22 b, 24 b during switching operations.The indication rod 36 follows the movement of the switching rails 22 b,24 b and interface with electric switches (e.g., limit switches) thatprovide information to the signal system regarding the position of theswitching rails 22 b, 24 b so that the position of the switching rails22 b, 24 b can be verified and monitored.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the actuator 30 is mounted on railroad ties28 a, 28 b. The railroad ties 28 a, 28 b are customized with each havinga rail supporting portion 40 positioned beneath the rails and anactuator mounting portion 42 on which the actuator 30 is mounted. Therailroad ties 28 a, 28 b preferably are manufactured from a conventionalmaterial such as wood, but can also be manufactured of other materialssuch as concrete, steel, wood laminate or other compositions. In oneembodiment, the rail supporting portions 40 have conventional 9 by 9inch cross-sectional shape, while the actuator mounting portions 42 havereduced heights as compared to the rail supporting portions 40. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the actuator mounting portions 42have heights H1 which are smaller than corresponding heights H2 of therail supporting portions 40. The actuator 30 is mounted on actuatormounting plates 46 secured to the top sides of the actuator mountingportions 42 of the ties 28 a, 28 b. The actuator mounting plates 46include connector flanges 48 reinforced by gussets 50.

The fixed rails 22 a, 24 a are secured to support plates 60, 62 fastenedto the top sides of the rail support portions 40 of the railroad ties 28a, 28 b. Support plates 60, 62 are preferably manufactured of a metalmaterial such as steel. In one embodiment, the plates 60, 62 have athickness of less than 3 inches and most preferably about 2 inches.Plates 60, 62 support the weight of the rails and also define guides orchannels for supporting and guiding movement of the throw rod 32, thelock rod 34 and the indication rod 36. Spikes, bolts or other fastenerscan be used to secure the plates 60, 62 to the top sides of the ties 28a, 28 b. The fasteners typically will extend through openings in theplates 60, 62. Rail reinforcement assemblies 300 can also be secured(e.g., welded) to the top sides of the plates 60, 62. FIGS. 2A and 2Bshow an example rail reinforcement assembly 300 including a rail brace301, a rail brace support plate 302 welded to the top plate of the tie,a locking plate 304 that interlocks with the brace 301 to prevent thebrace 301 from sliding relative to the support plate 302, and a clip 306(e.g., an e-clip) for holding the locking plate 304 down. In use, thebrace 301 is wedged between the support plate 302 and the rail (e.g., byhammering the brace in place across the top side of the top tie plate),and then locked in place by plate 304 and clip 306.

Referring to FIG. 2, support plate 60 includes four separate pieces 60a-60 d and support plates 62 includes four separate pieces 62 a-62 d.Connector plates 66 and fasteners 64 are used to secure dielectricspacers 68 between pieces 60 a and 60 b, between pieces 60 c and 60 d,between pieces 62 a and 62 b, and between pieces 62 c and 62 d. Theinsulators 68 prevent the support plates 60, 62 from providingelectrical connections between the rails of the track arrangement 20.Dielectric spacers can also be used to electrically insulate theconnector plates 66 from the top sides of the plates 60, 62 (e.g., theinsulators can extend between the connector plates 66 and the top sidesof the plates 60, 62). Insulators (e.g., dielectric bushings) can alsobe used to electrically isolate the fasteners 64 from the connectorplates 66. The support plates 60, 62 include connector flanges 70supported by gussets 72. Fasteners such as bolts can be used to securethe connector flanges 70 of the rail support plates 60, 62 to theflanges 48 of the actuator mounting plate 46. Flanges 70 and gussets 72can be provided at both ends of the plates 60, 62 to accommodatemounting the actuator 30 on either the left or right side of the tracks.

The support plates 60, 62 are adapted for supporting the weight of therails, and also for supporting and guiding the throw rod 32. As shown inFIG. 2, the support plate 60 defines a channel 80 that extends along thelength of the plate 60 between the rails of the track arrangement 20.The channel 80 is sized to receive the throw rod 32 such that the throwrod 32 can slide back and forth along the length of the channel 80. Asshown at FIGS. 4 and 5, the channel 80 includes interior notches 82 thatextend along the length of the channel 80. The notches 82 are sized toreceive corresponding projections 84 (see FIG. 4A) that extend along alength of the throw rod 32. A top side 86 of the channel 80 is open.

The support plates 60, 62 also provide structural reinforcement to thethrow rod 32 to prevent the throw rod 32 from excessivelybending/flexing during usage. In one embodiment, the support plates 60,62 contact or are in close proximity to the throw rod 32 for a majorityof the length of the throw rod 32. In a preferred embodiment, the plates60, 62 contact the throw rod 32 for at least substantially the entiredistance between the rails 22 b, 24 b. By providing the plates 60, 62 inclose proximity to or in contact with the throw rod 32, debris is alsoinhibited from entering the channel between the plates 60, 62.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the throw rod 32 is connected to the actuator30 by a linkage 88. From the linkage 88, the throw rod 32 extendsthrough the flanges 48, 70 and into the channel 80 defined by thesupport plate 60. The throw rod 32 includes risers 90 (see FIG. 3) thatextend upwardly through the open top side 86 of the channel 80. Pivotlinks 92 connect the risers 90 to brackets 94 fastened to the switchrails 22 b, 24 b. Each of the pivot links 92 includes two verticalpivotal axis 95, 96 defined by pins that connect the links 92 to therisers 90 and the brackets 94, respectively. The pivot links 92 providea pivoting action that prevents the throw rod 32 from binding within thechannel 80 as the throw rod 32 slides along the channel 80 to move theswitch rails 22 b, 24 b between the two switch positions.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the rail support plate 62 defines channels 108,110 that extend along the length of the plate 62. The channels 108, 110are adapted for respectively receiving the lock rod 34 and theindication rod 36. The channels 108, 110 guide linear movement of thelock rod 34 and the indication rod 36. The support plate 62 supports therails and prevents the lock rod 34 and the indication rod 36 from beingcrushed. The support plate 62 also reinforces the rods 34, 36 alongtheir lengths. In certain embodiments, substantially all of the lengthsof the rods 34, 36 between the rails are in contact with the supportplate 62. Lock rod 34 is coupled to the actuator 30 at linkage 112 andindication rod 36 is coupled to the actuator 30 at linkage 114. Similarto the throw rod 32, the lock rod 34 and the indication rod 36 extendthrough the flanges 48, 70 and into the respective channels 108, 110. Asshown at FIG. 2, risers 190 and pivot links 192 are used to couple thelock rod 34 to brackets 194 fastened to the switching rails 22 b, 24 b.Still referring to FIG. 2, risers 290 and pivot links 292 are also usedto couple the indication rod 36 to brackets 294 fastened to theswitching rails 22 b, 24 b. The pivot links prevent the rods 34, 36 frombinding within their respective channels 108, 110 as the switching rails22 b, 24 b are moved between the position of FIG. 1A and the position ofFIG. 1B.

It is preferred for the throw rod, the lock rod and the indication rod36 to each have a construction that does not conduct electricity betweenthe rails 22 a, 22 b or between the rails 24 a, 24 b. The ability to notconduct electricity is advantageous because trains often include safetycircuitry that detects electrical current between the rails. If the rodselectrically connect opposite rails, the operation of the safetycircuitry could be compromised. In one embodiment, rods 32, 34 and 36are constructed of a dielectric material such as plastic. In otherembodiments, rods can have a composite construction including bothconductive and non-conductive materials. In still further embodiments,the rods 32, 34, 36 can have a dielectric coating. In certainembodiments, a layer such as Teflon or other low friction material(e.g., grease) can be provided within the channels or on the rods 32,34, 36 to facilitate linear movement of the rods within their respectivechannels.

Since the switching arrangements disclosed herein are mounted on the topsides of railroad ties, the arrangements do not interfere with tampingoperations.

In use, the switch rails 22 b, 24 b may move in a longitudinalorientation (see orientation arrow 400 at FIG. 1A) when approaches andpasses over the rails 22 b, 24 b. This is caused by the train pushingthe rails as the train approaches the switch point and can be referredto as “running” the rails. In certain cases, the rails 22 b, 24 b maymove an inch or more in the direction of travel of the train. Theswitching arrangements of FIGS. 9-12 include structure for accommodatinglongitudinal movement of the rails 22 b, 24 b. In certain embodiments,the structures allow the rails 22 b, 24 b to move relative at least 2inches in the longitudinal direction 400 relative to the throw rodcoupled to the rails 22 b, 24 b. For example, the rails 22 b, 24 b canmove at least one inch in each direction along the orientation 400relative to the central longitudinal axis of the throw rod coupled tothe rails 22 b, 24 b. It will be appreciated that the same structuresfor allowing accommodating longitudinal movement of the switching railsrelative to the throw rod can also be used in combination with thelocking rod and the indicator rod to accommodate longitudinal movementof the switching rails relative to such rods.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a switching arrangement including a throw rod 532.Similar to the previous embodiment, the throw rod 532 is slidablymounted in channel 80 defined by support plate 60, and one end of thethrow rod 532 is connected to actuator 30 that controls movement of thethrow rod 532 within the channel 80.

The throw rod 532 includes risers 590 that extend upwardly through theopen top side of the channel 80. The risers 590 are pivotally connectedto rocker members 591 by pivot members 592 (e.g., pins, bolts, rivets,or other fasteners that allow pivotal movement). The rocker members 591can pivot relative to the throw rod 532 about vertical axes 593 definedthrough the pivot members 592. The rocker members 591 have curvedsurfaces 594 that engage planar surfaces 595 of brackets 596 secured(e.g., welded, fastened, or otherwise attached) to the switching rails22 b, 24 b. The planar surfaces 595 are oriented generally perpendicularrelative to the longitudinal axis of the throw rod 532. Fasteners 597(e.g., shoulder bolts) connect the rocker members 591 to the brackets596. For example, the fasteners 597 extend though holes 598 in therocker members 591 and are anchored into the brackets 596. Sufficientclearance exists between the holes 598 and the fasteners 597 to allowthe rocket members 591 to rock or toggle relative to the brackets 596.When the rocker members 591 rock relative to the brackets 596, thecurved surfaces 594 roll along the planar surfaces 595 of the brackets596. Springs 599 are provided on the fasteners 597 to bias the rockermembers 591 to a central position where the central axes of the rockermembers 591 are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the throw rod 532.

In use, the rocker members 591 allow the switching rails 22 b, 24 b tomove in the longitudinal orientation 400 relative to the throw rod 532.For example, as the switching rails 22 b, 24 b move along theorientation 400 relative to the throw rod 532, the curved surfaces 594of the rocker members 591 roll on the planar surfaces 595 of thebrackets 596 and the rocker members 591 simultaneously pivot about thepivot axes 593 relative to the throw rod 532 to accommodate thelongitudinal movement of the rails 22 b, 24 b. The rocker members 591can pivot in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions about theaxes 593 and the rocker members 591 can rock forward or backward toaccommodate rail movement in either a forward or backward directionalong the longitudinal orientation 400.

To move the rails 22 b, 24 b to a position where rail 22 b engages rail24 a (see FIG. 9), the actuator 30 pushes the throw rod 532 along thelongitudinal axis of the throw rod 532 in a direction away from theactuator 30. As the throw rod is pushed, force is transferred to therail 22 b by direct contact between the curved surface 594 of the rockermember 591 and the planar surface 595 of the bracket 596 attached to therail 22 b, and force is transferred to rail 24 b through the fasteners597. To move the rails 22 b, 24 b to a position where rail 24 b engagesrail 22 a, the actuator 30 pulls the throw rod 532 along thelongitudinal axis of the throw rod 532 in a direction toward theactuator 30. As the throw rod is pulled, force is transferred to therail 24 b by direct contact between the curved surface 594 of the rockermember 591 and the planar surface 595 of the bracket 596 attached to therail 24 b, and force is transferred to rail 22 b through the fasteners597.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a switching arrangement including a throw rod 632.Similar to the previous embodiments, the throw rod 632 is slidablymounted in channel 80 defined by support plate 60, and one end of thethrow rod 632 is connected to actuator 30 that controls movement of thethrow rod 632 within the channel 80.

The throw rod 632 includes risers 690 that extend upwardly through theopen top side of the channel 80. The risers 690 are connected to members691. As depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, the members 691 are rollers (e.g.,roller bearings) that are free to rotate about vertical pivot axes 695defined by pins 696 connected to the risers 690. The members 691 fitwithin slots/tracks 697 defined by members 699 secured to the rails 22b, 24 b. The slots/tracks 697 are aligned generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the throw rod 632.

In use, the members 691, 699 allow the switching rails 22 b, 24 b tomove in the longitudinal orientation 400 relative to the throw rod 632.For example, as the switching rails 22 b, 24 b move along theorientation 400 relative to the throw rod 632, the members 699move/slide relative to the members 691 in a direction perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis of the throw rod 632. The lengths of theslots/tracks 697 provide space to accommodate this relative movement.The members 691 are typically centered with the slots/tracks 697 whenthe switching rails are in their normal position. Thus, the members 699can move a distance x in a forward direction relative to the members 691to accommodate rail movement in the forward direction, and can also movea distance x in a backward direction relative to the members 691 toaccommodate rail movement is a backward direction. In one embodiment,the distance x is at least 0.5 inches. In another embodiment, thedistance x is at least 0.75 inches. In still another embodiment, thedistance x is at least 1 inch.

To move the rails 22 b, 24 b to a position where rail 22 b engages rail24 a (see FIG. 11), the actuator 30 pushes the throw rod 632 along thelongitudinal axis of the throw rod 532 in a direction away from theactuator 30. As the throw rod 632 is pushed, force is transferred to therails 22 b, 24 b through the slide members 691 which engage the guidemembers 699 secured to the rails 22 b, 24 b. To move the rails 22 b, 24b to a position where rail 24 b engages rail 22 a, the actuator 30 pullsthe throw rod 632 along the longitudinal axis of the throw rod 532 in adirection toward the actuator 30. As the throw rod is pulled, force istransferred to the rails 22 b, 24 b through the slide members 691 whichengage the guide members 699 secured to the rails 22 b, 24 b.

The above specification provides examples of how certain inventiveaspects may be put into practice. It will be appreciated that theinventive aspects can be practiced in other ways than those specificallyshown and described herein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the inventive aspects. The description, like reference numbers havebeen used to identify like or similar parts.

1. A railroad track switching device comprising: a railroad tie having atop side; a plate arrangement secured to the top side of the railroadtie, the plate arrangement defining a channel that extends along alength of the railroad tie; the channel being located above the top sideof the railroad tie; and a rod slidably mounted within the channeldefined by the plate arrangement.
 2. The railroad track switching deviceof claim 1, wherein the rod is adapted to not conduct electricitybetween railroad rails.
 3. The railroad track switching device of claim1, wherein the rod has a dielectric construction.
 4. The railroad trackswitching device of claim 3, wherein the rod is made of a plasticmaterial.
 5. The railroad track switching device of claim 1, wherein thechannel includes interior notches that extend along a length of thechannel, wherein the rod includes projections that extend along a lengthof the rod, and wherein the projections of the rod fit within theinterior notches of the channel.
 6. The railroad track switching deviceof claim 1, wherein the railroad tie has a generally nine inch squaretransverse cross section at a location beneath the plate arrangement. 7.The railroad track switching device of claim 1, wherein the railroad tiehas a wood construction.
 8. The railroad track switching device of claim1, wherein the railroad tie includes a track supporting portion and anactuator supporting portion, the track supporting portion having agreater height than the actuator supporting portion.
 9. The railroadtrack switching device of claim 1, wherein the rod is adapted forconnection to a switch actuator, and the rod is also adapted forconnection to a pair of switching rails.
 10. The railroad trackswitching device of claim 1, wherein the channel has an open top, andthe rod includes portions that project upwardly through the open top ofthe channel.
 11. The railroad track switching device of claim 1, whereinthe rod includes a connection interface for connecting the rod to switchrails, the connection interface being configured to allow movement ofthe rails in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of therod.
 12. The railroad track switching device of claim 11, wherein theconnection interface provides the rails with a range of movement of atleast 1 inch in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ofthe rod.
 13. The railroad track switching device of claim 11, whereinthe connection interface includes a rocker member pivotally connected tothe rod, the rocker member having a curved surface configured forallowing the rocker member to rock relative to one of the switch railsto accommodate movement of the rail in the direction perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis of the rod.
 14. The railroad track switchingdevice of claim 11, wherein the connection interface includes a firstmember adapted to be carried by one of the switch rails and a secondmember carried by the rod, the first member defining a slot adapted toalign generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod, thesecond member adapted to fit within the slot.
 15. A railroad trackswitching device comprising: a railroad tie having a top side; a platearrangement secured to the top side of the railroad tie, the platearrangement defining first and second channels that extend along alength of the railroad tie; the first and second channels being locatedabove the top side of the railroad tie; a first rod slidably mountedwithin the first channel defined by the plate arrangement; and a secondrod slidably mounted within the second channel defined by the platearrangement.
 16. A railroad switch point having fixed rails andswitching rails, the railroad switch point comprising: a first railroadtie having a top side; a throw rod positioned at the top side of thefirst railroad tie, the throw rod being coupled to the switching rails;an actuator for moving the throw rod to change a switch position of theswitching rails; and a first rail support secured to the top side of thefirst railroad tie for supporting the fixed rails and the switchingrails above the throw rod.
 17. The railroad switch point of claim 16,wherein the first rail support includes a plate arrangement that definesa channel in which the throw rod is slidably received.
 18. The railroadswitch point of claim 17, wherein the plate arrangement includes sets ofplates that are electrically isolated from one another.
 19. The railroadswitch point of claim 18, wherein the throw rod has a dielectricconstruction.
 20. The railroad switch point of claim 16, furthercomprising: a second railroad tie having a top side; a locking rodpositioned at the top side of the second railroad tie, the locking rodbeing coupled to the switching rails and coupled to the actuator; anindicator rod positioned at the top side of the second railroad tie, theindicator rod being coupled to the switching rails and coupled to theactuator; a second rail support secured to the top side of the secondrailroad tie for supporting the fixed rails and the switching railsabove the locking rod and the indicator rod.